Drilling Results

Drilling Results

ECR Minerals plc

AIM: ECR

ECR MINERALS plc

(“ECR Minerals”, “ECR” or the “Company”)

DRILLING REPORT

ECR Minerals plc is pleased to announce the results of diamond drilling at the Bung Bong and Monte Christo gold prospects in Central Victoria, Australia.

The drilling formed part of a larger diamond drilling programme across three prospects in Central Victoria: Bung Bong, Monte Christo and Blue Moon, all of which are 100% owned by the Company's wholly owned subsidiary Mercator Gold Australia Pty Ltd. The programme has now been completed, and assay results are awaited in respect of Blue Moon.

The Blue Moon prospect is part of the Bailieston project area (EL5433), while Bung Bong and Monte Christo are part of the Avoca gold project area (EL5387). The target at Blue Moon is a disseminated gold deposit, as discussed in ECR’s announcement dated 22 May 2018, rather than a reef system as at Bung Bong and Monte Christo.

Drill hole data and significant intercepts from the five holes at Bung Bong (ABB001 to 005) and two holes at Monte Christo (AMC001 and 002) are disclosed in Table A below. Intercepts are apparent width.

Craig Brown, CEO of ECR, commented:

“All five holes at Bung Bong and the two holes at Monte Christo fulfilled their intended purpose, which was to test the structural architecture of the target areas and guide further drilling, if warranted. These were the first ever drill holes at Bung Bong and Monte Christo, and gold mineralisation was intersected at both prospects, although we did not encounter any high-grade shoots in this drilling.

The Company will be considering what future work, whether drilling, geophysics or surface geochemistry, may be appropriate at these two prospects. Separately, we look forward to receiving assay results from the recently completed drilling at Blue Moon.”

Discussion of drilling results from the Monte Christo prospect
Hole AMC001 at Monte Christo intercepted two broad quartz zones, however assay results show these zones to be weakly mineralised. The upper zone is in the footwall of a dyke likely to have intruded along a fault below the shallow workings at surface. The lower zone shows vein development and partitioning around a fault. Significant intercepts in AMC001 included 2.1 m at 1.32 g/t from 87.3 m (including 1 m at 2.58 g/t).

AMC002 was drilled under the main historic shaft at Monte Christo but did not encounter the same reef development as AMC001, although an intercept of 1 m at 1.89 g/t Au from 85.4 m was obtained.

Historic reports explain that gold at depth at Monte Christo was associated with pyrites. The better of the assays in AMC001 and AMC002 show a close association with the presence of arsenopyrite. Arsenopyrite is weathered from the oxidised upper portion of the drill holes, and this may have depleted these zones of gold.

Discussion of drilling results from the Bung Bong prospect
The drilling at Bung Bong revealed faulting, vein development and partitioning for a width exceeding the 100 m traverse of five drill holes and open at depth, indicating bulk tonnage potential had the zone been shown to be gold-mineralised. Unfortunately, the assays from the holes drilled have not identified the location of a mineralised shoot.

The oxide zone deepened with the faulting towards the east at Bung Bong. The gold intercept in ABB001 (0.95 m at 2.20 g/t Au in ABB001 from 32.85m) was below the oxide zone and it is possible that sulphide destruction has led to gold depletion, as hypothesised at Monte Christo. This raises the possibility that there may be further exploration potential at depth, below the base of oxidation, in the case of both Monte Christo and Bung Bong.

COMPETENT PERSON STATEMENT
The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results is based on information compiled by Dr Rodney Boucher of Linex Pty Ltd. Linex Pty Ltd provides geological services to Mercator Gold Australia Pty Ltd, including the services of Dr Boucher, who has a PhD in geology, is a Member and RPGeo of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Dr Boucher has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the ‘Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves’. Dr Boucher consents to the inclusion in the announcement of the material based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

ABOUT ECR
ECR is a mineral exploration and development company. ECR’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary Mercator Gold Australia has 100% ownership of the Avoca, Bailieston, Creswick, Moormbool and Timor gold exploration licences in central Victoria, Australia.

ECR has earned a 25% interest in the Danglay epithermal gold project, an advanced exploration project located in a prolific gold and copper mining district in the north of the Philippines. An NI43-101 technical report was completed in respect of the Danglay project in December 2015 and is available for download from ECR’s website.

ECR’s wholly owned Argentine subsidiary Ochre Mining has 100% ownership of the SLM gold project in La Rioja, Argentina. Exploration at SLM has focused on identifying small tonnage mesothermal gold deposits which may be suitable for relatively near-term production.

MARKET ABUSE REGULATIONS (EU) No. 596/2014
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 (MAR). Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service (RIS), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

ECR Minerals plc		Tel: [phone]
David Tang, Non-Executive Chairman
Craig Brown, Director & CEO
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.ecrminerals.com
WH Ireland Ltd		Tel: [phone]
Nominated Adviser
Katy Mitchell/James Sinclair-Ford
Optiva Securities Ltd		Tel: [phone]
Broker
Graeme Dickson
FlowComms		Tel: [phone]
Investor Relations
Sasha Sethi

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This announcement may include forward looking statements. Such statements may be subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and therefore actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date hereof (unless stated otherwise) and, except as may be required by applicable laws or regulations (including the AIM Rules for Companies), the Company disclaims any obligation to update or modify such forward-looking statements because of new information, future events or for any other reason.

TABLE A
Drill hole data and significant intercepts from April-May 2018 diamond drilling at Bung Bong and Monte Christo prospects, Central Victoria, Australia by Mercator Gold Australia Pty Ltd

				Drill hole data (MGA 94 Zone 55)												Significant Intercepts
Hole ID		Core size		Easting (m)		Northing (m)		RL (m)		Dip		Az		TD (m)		From (m)		To (m)		Width (m)		Au (g/t)
ABB001		HQ		724828		5890966		301		-80		71		47.34		32.85		33.80		0.95		2.20
ABB002		HQ		724850		5890959		300		-80		75		50.4		NSI
ABB003		HQ		724869		5890958		299		-80		60		65.5		NSI
ABB004		HQ		724887		5890953		297		-80		101		61.2		NSI
ABB005		HQ		724909		5890951		296		-70		101		72		NSI
AMC001		HQ		721323		5890794		263		-60		260		104.4		69.85		71.85		2.00		0.58
																77.95		78.40		0.45		1.82
																87.30		89.40		2.10		1.32
														Inc.		87.30		88.30		1.00		2.58
AMC002		HQ		721340		5880620		266		-60		260		101.3		85.40		86.40		1.00		1.89

JORC Table 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Sampling techniques		Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.		All sampling and logging has been supervised and conducted by Dr Rodney Boucher of Linex Pty Ltd and by Linex staff at the Linex core processing facility or on site at the drill rig. Linex provided geological services to Mercator Gold Australia Pty Ltd, including the services of Dr Boucher. All material was collected in commercially available diamond core trays. Diamond core was cleaned and marked metre-by-metre. The geologist determines which parts of the drill hole were to be sampled using criteria such as presence of quartz and mineral occurrence. Sample intervals were based on lithology and veining but in general were 1m. The samples were cut with a core saw, with half collected for laboratory submission, and the remaining half transferred back to the core tray for storage. No intervals were less than 0.20m or greater than 1.5m. The diamond drill samples were submitted to Onsite Laboratory Services in Bendigo, Victoria. Sample preparation involved sample crush to 2mm, pulverise and then screen to 75mm and split off 50g for analysis.
Drilling techniques		Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).		All holes were drilled using a truck mounted Sandvik 710DE drill rig diamond coring from surface. Holes drilled were HQ. All holes were surveyed with a single shot camera, nominally every 30m where practicable. Core is orientated using regional axial planar cleavage. Due to the known strike of cleavage, bedding and vein measurements are taken relative to cleavage. Data were plotted on stereonets to confirm the orientation and where possible, beds were correlated between holes for further confirmation.
Drill sample recovery		Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.		Core recoveries were measured by the geologist after each drill run, comparing length of core recovered versus drill depth. Core recovery was logged and recorded in the database. The driller was under instruction to monitor recovery and rectify core loss by adjusting drill rig operation. No strong relationship between core recovery and grade is evident. Drilling has occurred on day shift and night shift at various times during the programme.
Logging		Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.		All core was geologically logged at 10 centimetre intervals to a standard that follows industry common practice and is suitable for future use in interpretation and resource estimation. Logging of samples included but was not limited to lithology, mineralogy, alteration, veining, weathering and structure. Drill core structural measurements were logged prior to cutting/sampling. Bedding, joint and fault orientations were measured relative to cleavage to provide orientations. All core was photographed wet and dry.
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation		If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.		Half core was sampled using a core saw. The right half of the core (viewed down hole) was submitted for assay. Linex Pty Ltd core cutting and sampling procedures were followed to ensure sampling consistency. 1m of non-mineralised material from either side of significant mineralised zones was submitted with the samples to the laboratory as part of the quality control process. No second half sampling has been conducted. The sample sizes are considered to be appropriate for the type of mineralisation in this area.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests		The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established.		The sample preparation and analytical procedures are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation. Onsite Laboratory Services provided details of their routine quality controls. 10% of samples were duplicate assayed and 10% of assays were repeated for quality control and quality assurance testing. One standard sample was inserted per approximately 20 samples dispatched for assay. Laboratory standards and blanks were inserted for quality control and quality assurance testing.
Verification of sampling and assaying		The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data.		All assay and drillhole data were imported and stored in a database. Significant intersections were verified by the logging geologist and Dr Boucher. No twinned holes have been drilled. Primary data for drill holes was compiled onto paper based logging templates and was then transferred into a database and validated by Linex Pty Ltd personnel. Back up digital copies of all paper log sheets were also kept. No adjustments have been made to any assay data contained in this report.
Location of data points		Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control.		All drill hole location coordinates were measured using handheld GPS. Collar surveying was performed by Linex Pty Ltd personnel. This was considered appropriate for the stage of exploration. All drill holes were downhole surveyed. Down hole single shot surveys were conducted by the drilling contractor every 30m down hole and at end of hole where possible. Drilling orientation was established prior to collaring with clinometer and compass. The grid system used is GDA MGA 94 Z44. The RL was recorded for each drill hole from the GPS and verified using publicly available satellite and aerial imagery.
Data spacing and distribution		Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied.		The drill hole spacing at Bung Bong was 20 m along a single section The drill holes at Monte Christo were approximately 150 m apart on differing sections. Sample intervals were based on lithology but in general were 1m.
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure		Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.		A majority of diamond drill holes at Bung Bong were orientated at -80 degrees (or -70 degrees for ABB005) towards 060 degrees to 090 degrees. The holes drilled at Monte Christo were both orientated at -60 towards 260 degrees. All holes were designed with the aim to cross most veins and structures at a high angle. There is insufficient drilling data to determine if any bias can be detected in the data.
Sample security		The measures taken to ensure sample security.		All core drilled has been processed and cut at the Linex core processing facility by Linex Pty Ltd personnel. Core is then dispatched by Linex Pty Ltd personnel. All sample reject is retained by Linex Pty Ltd. Sample number receipt information from the laboratory is cross- referenced and rationalised against sample number dispatch information.
Audits or reviews		The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.		No processes or data used in developing the release of exploration results have been subject to audit or review by non-Linex Pty Ltd personnel or contractors so as to reduce timelines for reporting.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Mineral tenement and land tenure status		Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.		Bung Bong and Monte Christo are within the vicinity of Avoca, Victoria, and are 100% owned by Mercator Gold Australia Pty Ltd. Both prospects are located on EL5387. Exploration activities at Bung Bong were confined to an existing track on Crown Land, activities at Monte Christo were in open paddocks on private land.
Exploration done by other parties		Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.		Bung Bong and Monte Christo are both centres for historic mining. There has been no contemporary exploration at Bung Bong and Monte Christo.
Geology		Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.		The host rocks at Bung Bong and Monte Christo are deep marine sandstones and shales (turbidites). Gold is hosted by fault-related quartz and quartz spurs. Outcrop at Bung Bong reveals multiple faults associated with quartz veins. Drilling confirmed the observations. Bedding strikes north-south and dips to the west. Bedding is transected by a series of west-dipping faults.
Drill hole Information		A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: easting and northing of the drill hole collar elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar dip and azimuth of the hole down hole length and interception depth hole length. If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.		No material drill hole information has been excluded. Bung Bong drill holes Monte Christo drill holes
Data aggregation methods		In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.		Averages of results through each intersection have been reported. No cut-off grades have been applied.
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths		These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg ‘down hole length, true width not known’).		Mineralisation widths are based on down hole lengths. There is insufficient drilling data to determine continuity of mineralised domains.
Diagrams		Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.		Refer to figures previously released by ECR Minerals plc.
Balanced reporting		Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.		All gold values have been reported.
Other substantive exploration data		Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.		All relevant data is presented in the text, tables and diagrams.
Further work		The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.		Future drilling will be dependent on future company direction.

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